Doors open on Est1897 store in Southampton

Discount secondhand jewellery retailer Est1897, created by parent company H&T Pawnbrokers, has expanded with a new store in Marlands Shopping Centre, Southampton.

The new premises have opened in the lead-up to the busy Christmas shopping period, offering vintage and reconditioned jewellery at a discounted rate to compete with leading High-Street multiples.

H&T Pawnbrokers redeveloped 36 of its stores between June and September, changing their focus from more traditional pawnbroking services to jewellery retail under the strapline, ‘Discount Secondhand Jewellery’.

H&T chief executive officer John Nichols, commented: “Our research shows that there is a distinct gap in the market for quality, good value jewellery, there’s nothing like this on the high street today. The stores we have opened offer a completely new way for jewellery customers to shop, providing quality, exceptional value and outstanding service."

Nichols continues: "With this move into retailing as a core of the stores’ business we’re planning for significant retail growth for the foreseeable future. It gives the customer the opportunity to find something special and one of a kind. We will of course continue to offer our customers a pawnbroking service and the opportunity to sell their jewellery to us.”

H&T is the UK’s leading pawnbroker with over 185 stores throughout the UK.